‘Quad-demic’ warning and symptoms as snow and ice hits UK

A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place from 12pm on Saturday until 9am on Monday and covers most of England and Wales, while a separate warning for heavy snow from midnight on Sunday until 12pm on Monday has been issued for most of mainland Scotland.

The four illnesses which make up the ‘quad-demic’ are flu, covid, RSV and norovirus.

George Sandhu, deputy superintendent of Well Pharmacy, warned the ‘Big Four’ are far more serious than the common cold and potentially life-threatening to elderly and vulnerable patients.

How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19

 Mr Sandhu urged all Brits to be on the lookout for the early signs and symptoms of each illness so they can seek the correct treatment as soon as possible. 

It comes as the NHS warns Brits not to go outside in the early morning or after dark in the snow, with temperatures expected to fall as low as -10C in remote parts of the UK.

Medics have also advised the old and vulnerable Brits to stock up on medicines.

Mr Sandhu said: “Viruses thrive in these cold conditions.

“It is essential Brits are prepared for what could be a nasty few days or weeks if they succumb to one of the big fours bugs this winter.

“While the flu will last for up to two weeks and norovirus might only last for a couple of days it is very important to ensure you’re regularly hydrated.

“It’s also important to have medications on hand to help ease your symptoms – these include ibuprofen and paracetamol, which can help keep you comfortable while you get over the bug.”

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Flu symptoms

The flu can be unpleasant and leave patients bedridden with a variety of symptoms to indicate that they have caught the flu. 

It is passed from person to person via influenza particles spread through the air when someone infected speaks, coughs or sneezes. 

#Flu is now circulating. If you are eligible for a flu vaccine, book it in as soon as possible and #GetWinterStrong 💪https://t.co/iMgc4j39X8
See our latest data on flu here: https://t.co/qDMhO2RROu pic.twitter.com/Ia5ivG7Bpd

— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) December 3, 2024

The symptoms of the flu can appear very quickly and include one or several of the following;

• Sudden high temperature 
• Aches in the body 
• Sore throat 
• Dry cough 
• Exhaustion
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Diarrhoea 
• Vomiting 

It is important to rest and sleep when suffering with the flu. A pharmacist can sell both paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and allow for aches or pains to be treated. 

Patients suffering from flu should also try to ensure they drink plenty of water to keep their urine clear and ensure they are not dehydrated. 

One of the best ways to protect yourself against the flu is to get a flu vaccine, usually at the beginning of October. Flu vaccines are available for booking online at your local Well Pharmacy.

Covid symptoms

Covid-19 forced the world into a lockdown for the best part of two years as scientists rushed to try and work out the best way to treat the viral infection. 

The infection presents itself in a variety of ways including the following;

• A high temperature 
• A new continuous cough 
• A loss of senses including taste and smell 
• Feeling exhausted 
• Aching body 
• Shortness of breath 
• Sore throat 
• Blocked nose 
• Loss of appetite 

Many of the symptoms of Covid can be confused with a common cold or the flu which is why it is imperative to take a Covid test if you believe that you might have an infection. 

While many people will feel better within a couple of weeks, Covid can cause serious short and long-term issues, especially with the elderly and those who have underlying long term health conditions. 

There are two weeks left to book flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, book ASAP to be protected over Christmas.

Lots of Pharmacies are giving vaccinations this winter to help people get #GetWinterStrong.

Eligibility and how to book here: https://t.co/J7R8zSem5B 📅📱 pic.twitter.com/4JH70OUHuu

— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) December 4, 2024

If you test positive for Covid, the NHS advises you to try to stay at home and avoid seeing other people for at least five days. 

Covid-19 is similar to the flu in terms of treatments which can aid recovery as rest and hydration are the main recommendations to try and ensure you feel better when suffering with Covid. 

There is also a Covid vaccine available each year which can be given on the same day as patients could receive their flu vaccine ensuring they are protected from both viruses. 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) symptoms

RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds although the infection can usually get better by itself. 

While the infection is extremely common, it often tends to affect children under the age of two most often. 

Although the infection is not usually serious for most people, it can certainly be serious for babies, young children who were born prematurely and adults over the age of 75 years old. 

Symptoms of an RSV infection will normally start within a few days of a person being infected by the virus. 

Most people will only get cold like symptoms from RSV including; 

• Runny or blocked nose 
• A cough 
• Sneezing 
• Tiredness
• A high temperature 

If the RSV becomes more serious and leads to pneumonia then it can also cause a cough that gets worse or shortness of breath. 

Did you see our latest #UKHSAVirusWatch? 📊#Flu activity is increasing and has reached low activity levels, #RSV is continuing to rise in all age groups, especially in the under 5s, and #COVID19 levels have slightly decreased. 🔬 pic.twitter.com/xlC6YvwVNq

— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) December 2, 2024

Some adults might also get confused and experience noisy breathing otherwise known as wheezing. 

While there are no specific treatments for RSV there are certain things which can be done to ensure that the patient is comfortable during the few weeks of the infection. 

These include taking paracetamol and ibuprofen which can be purchased from Well Pharmacy and if the nose is blocked then saline drops could be used to unblock the nostrils. 

Norovirus symptoms

Norovirus – commonly known as the winter vomiting bug – is a stomach bug which causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

There are several symptoms which will reveal if you have norovirus including;

• Nausea 
• Diarrhoea 
• Vomiting 
• High temperature 
• Headache 
• Aching limbs 

Norovirus is usually spread from person to person either through close contact or by touching objects or surfaces which have the virus on them and then touching your mouth. 

Norovirus, which you might know as the “winter vomiting bug”, is spreading at higher levels this year. 📈
Here is what you can do to stop and avoid the spread this winter. 👇 pic.twitter.com/vIvzNPHGyd

— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) November 25, 2024

If a person with the virus prepares food which is eaten, then it is also possible that the virus will spread to you. 

A thorough washing of hands with soap and warm water frequently is the best way to stop the virus from spreading throughout your household. 

Whilst norovirus usually only lasts two days there is a possibility it could last longer so your local pharmacy will be able to help. 

If the vomiting and diarrhoea is becoming painful then speak to your local Well pharmacist who can offer advice and suitable treatments.